The Tongariro National Park is one of those places that seem unreal, taken from another world. Smoky volcanoes, Moon-like valleys, colorful lakes. No wonder Mordor was filmed there. A popular option to explore the park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4km long day walk.
A beautiful, pleasant walk in Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the most popular Great Walks. It goes along the coast, crossing dense deep green forests and passing by beautiful sand beaches with clear water. Could you imagine a more pleasant walk?
Kaikoura: sleepy seals and a funny truck driver
Kaikoura is well known for wildlife observation, there are all kinds of tours to watch seals, dolphins and whales. I did not take any tour but keep great memories: it was another example of a place where the people I met made my day.
Awe-inspiring Banks Peninsula
Since I am not a poet, there are places that I can only describe with images. In New Zealand I visited a lot of breathtaking places, and there are three that cut my breath and left me speechless more than any other. Banks Peninsula was one of them.
Christchurch: destruction, creativity and hope
Christchurch showed me that there is much more in New Zealand than beautiful landscapes. It is a city that suffered a terrible loss, and it is reconstructing itself in a new and different way of thinking, with innovation and creativity, inspiration and hope.